JORDAN RULES: Knicks rookie center Jerome Jordan may sign a contract to play in Europe this season, with the provision of an 'out' clause should the NBA lockout end. Photo: AP

The agent for Knicks center Jerome Jordan is in negotiations with a group of European teams and an agreement in principle could be in place by the weekend, The Post has learned.

Jordan wants a deal with an “out” clause — for when the NBA lockout ends — though that is not a certainty. Jordan has received interest from teams in Israel, Italy and Russia.

The worst-case and unlikeliest scenario for the center-less Knicks is if the 7-foot Jordan signs a deal without such a clause, which means he would not play with the Knicks this season. Agent Todd Ramasar is confident he will only accept an offer that gives Jordan an out, unless a whopping amount of money is put on the table. “We are exploring all our options,” Ramasar said.

Jordan, who has yet to sign a contract with the Knicks, played last season in Serbia after being drafted in the second round in 2009 out of Tulsa. The Knicks paid Milwaukee $1 million for his rights.

Ramasar said when Jordan met with the Knicks in June, management had him penciled in on the roster.

“They were explicit in saying they need and want Jerome on their roster this upcoming season,” Ramasar said. “We are exploring deals with ‘out’ clauses so he can return to the Knicks once the lockout has ended. We should have a deal in place within a week.”

Ramasar said Jordan’s desire to play in Europe is unrelated to the Knicks drafting Kentucky’s Josh Harrellson. The Knicks view Jordan as higher on the center depth chart because of his size.

“This is strictly a decision to assist in Jerome’s development so he can make an impact on the team as soon as the NBA season begins,” Ramasar said.

Ramasar admitted the “out” clause has been the sticking point with some European clubs. “They are not easily obtained,” Ramasar said. Jordan missed the playoffs because of appendix surgery and was unable to work out for the Knicks in June because he had not been cleared to play. He is back on the court and should be 100 percent by next month, Ramasar said.

The lockout is a killer for the Knicks’ young players who could play a role this season. The Las Vegas Summer League would have ended today had it not been for the lockout. Jordan, along with first-rounder Iman Shumpert, Harrellson, Andy Rautins and Landry Fields, all would have played for the Knicks’ entry. None of those players is allowed into the Knicks’ facility to work with the coaching staff.